Mumbai, February 27: Maharashtra NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) chief Jayant Patil has asserted that the opposition will strongly challenge the Mahayuti government in the upcoming three-week Budget Session, set to begin on March 3, citing the state's precarious financial condition.
Speaking on Thursday, Patil criticized the economic management under Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, alleging that the government will struggle to account for expenditures, particularly for the Ladki Bahin Yojana—a flagship scheme providing ₹1,500 per month to women from families earning less than ₹2.5 lakh annually.
"There is a huge deficit, and Maharashtra's economic situation is not in good shape. The Mahayuti government will face significant challenges, and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will highlight key issues since the Devendra Fadnavis government took charge in December," Patil stated.
He further accused the government of failing in law and order, implementing welfare schemes, and addressing farmers' concerns. The opposition MVA is set to meet in early March to strategize, with plans to officially stake its claim for the Leader of the Opposition post.
Declining Opposition Numbers but Strong Intent
Acknowledging the opposition’s weakened presence post-November assembly polls, Patil admitted that numbers were not in their favor. The Mahayuti alliance secured a majority with 230 seats, with BJP (132), Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) (57), and Ajit Pawar’s NCP (41). In contrast, the MVA suffered losses, with Shiv Sena (UBT) securing 20 seats, Congress 16, and NCP (SP) 10, while the Samajwadi Party won 2 and Independents/Others claimed 10 seats.Despite the setback, Patil emphasized that unity within the opposition could still make an impact. "If we maintain a united front and raise issues concerning the people, we can hold the government accountable," he asserted while acknowledging the Mahayuti’s dominant majority of 230 MLAs.
Concerns Over Ladki Bahin Yojana
Patil also accused the ruling alliance of misleading voters regarding the Ladki Bahin Yojana. He claimed that while the scheme was heavily promoted during elections, the government is now reconsidering eligibility criteria to reduce the number of beneficiaries."This is a betrayal of voters. The state government cannot return on its word," Patil remarked.
With the Budget Session set to begin on March 3, the stage is set for a political showdown as the opposition gears up to challenge the Mahayuti government on multiple fronts.
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